Classes

What We Offer

The following is a listing of RSRC rowing courses. There is logic to the course progression that we offer. We begin all our students with lessons on sculling technique. Sculling offers the rower two oars and an opportunity to begin in single person boats. By learning how to scull first, the rower can better understand the role that balance and rhythm play in developing confidence on the water. As the rower develops competency in single sculling, more learning opportunities await.

RSRC Class Perks

Any class through Rio Salado Rowing Club may be repeated. To inform rowers how they are progressing with rowing skills particular to each class, a “Rio Rower Report Card” will be issued by the coach to each rower at the session’s end. Rowers will be videotaped and led through a video review in all classes beyond Introduction to Rowing. Classes are kept small.

For a description of each course offered, scroll down below the class grid.

All participants must have a completed float test. The float test is part of the first class for Introduction to Rowing.  If you are entering our program at a higher level class, please contact Lynn Etter for additional information or assistance with Float Test Form.

Introduction to Rowing and Team Boats include club membership for the duration of each course.  If you are not a current member of RSRC and interested in taking a class other than Intro or Team Boats, there are many affordable membership options.

For information about private sculling lessons, contact Morten Larsen.

When parking for classes or open row, park under the 202. Do not park over on the Marquee Theater side of the lot or your car may be towed.

Detailed Offering of Classes Currently Open for Registration. To register for any class, please click the class name. Each class must meet a minimum number of participants. Registrants will be notified of a class cancellation and given an option to reschedule. For more detailed information on each class, scroll down below the grid.

NOTE:  You must be age 18 or older to take a Rio Rowing class. Private/semi-private lessons are available for rowers ages 14-18 if accompanied by an adult. Here's a link to more info about lessons.

Rio Salado Rowing Club Class Progression

Introduction to Rowing

Prerequisite: none

This entry-level class teaches you to row by sculling in team boats (doubles & quads) with other novices. Water and boat safety, the basics of rowing etiquette and proper stroke technique are emphasized. The goal of the class is for participants to gain enough skill and confidence on the water in order to enjoy the sport of rowing.

Next class: Sculling

Sculling

Prerequisite: Introduction to Rowing or equivalent skill after on-water assessment

This class will introduce novice rowers to rowing solo in single boats in order to develop balance and continue master the mechanics of the rowing stroke in team boats.

Next class: The rower can decide to continue sculling in Fitness Rowing or learn to sweep in Sweep Rowing.

**Club membership is required for all classes beyond Team Boats.**

Sweep Rowing

Prerequisite: Sculling or equivalent skill after on-water assessment

This class is for scullers who want to learn how to sweep row. In sweep rowing, each athlete uses only one oar. The boats are larger, seating four or eight rowers. A coxswain sits in the boat to steer and help call the workout. Goals for this class include learning sweep technique while developing timing, rhythm, and balance within a larger crew. Most rowing programs around the world find that people who have initially learned to scull make a relatively easy transition to sweep rowing.

Next class: Fitness/Intermediate Rowing

Fitness Rowing

Prerequisite: Team Boats and/or Sweep Rowing or equivalent skill on Rio Rower Report Card after on-water assessment

Rowers seeking a good workout while improving their rowing technique will enjoy this class. The Fitness Rowing student can set personal goals. Do you want to build endurance? Become faster? Participate in local regattas? Then this is the course for you.

Both sculling and sweep boats will be used. Rowers should be able to progress to a higher open row certification so that more club boats will be available to them during open row.

Next class: Competitive Crew (sweep and sculling)

Competitive Crew

Prerequisite: Previous experience and coach approval

Designed to prepare Rio competitive scullers and sweep rowers for racing at SW Masters Regionals, this program includes two weekly practices (one coached), monthly video analysis and possible weeknight workout. Sweep comp crew registration also includes cox fees.

Comp Crew members have top priority for using Rio boats in Regionals and other regattas.

Sculling Lessons - private & semi-private

You are in charge of this. What you want to learn and when you want to do will be arranged with a coach. Private lessons are for a single student with the coach. Semi-private lessons can accommodate two or three students. This type of course may be suitable for people who cannot meet during regular class times, prefer more focused attention from the coach, or who want to speed up the learning process.

Adaptive Rowing

This course provides instruction and training for competitive and recreational opportunities in rowing to physically and developmentally challenged individuals. The instruction begins with the basics of safety, boat handling, goal setting, and teamwork and progresses as far as the athlete desires. Our desire is to work successfully with whatever functional limitations a person has to allow him or her to experience the freedom of movement on the water.